Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Aarskog syndrome

Facial-digital-genital syndrome

 

Aarskog syndrome is a disease that affects a person's height, muscles, skeleton, genitals, and appearance. It is passed down through families (inherited).

Causes

 

Aarskog syndrome is a genetic disorder that is linked to the X chromosome. It affects mainly males, but females may have a milder form. The condition is caused by changes (mutations) in a gene called "faciogenital dysplasia" ( FGD1 ).

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Belly button that sticks out
  • Bulge in the groin or scrotum
  • Delayed sexual maturity
  • Delayed teeth
  • Downward palpebral slant to eyes (palpebral slant is the direction of the slant from the outer to inner corner of the eye)
  • Hairline with a "widow's peak"
  • Mildly sunken chest
  • Mild to moderate mental problems
  • Mild to moderate short height which may not be obvious until the child is 1 to 3 years old
  • Poorly developed middle section of the face
  • Rounded face
  • Scrotum surrounds the penis (shawl scrotum)
  • Short fingers and toes with mild webbing
  • Single crease in the palm of the hand
  • Small, broad hands and feet with short fingers and curved-in fifth finger
  • Small nose with nostrils tipped forward
  • Testicles that have not come down (undescended)
  • Top portion of the ear folded over slightly
  • Wide groove above the upper lip, crease below the lower lip
  • Wide-set eyes with droopy eyelids

 

Exams and Tests

 

These tests may be done:

  • Genetic testing for mutations in the FGD1 gene
  • X-rays

 

Treatment

 

Moving the teeth may be done to treat some of the abnormal facial features a person with Aarskog syndrome may have.

 

Support Groups

 

The MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth is a support group for Aarskog syndrome:  www.magicfoundation.org .

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Some people may have some mental slowness, but children with this condition often have good social skills. Some males may have problems with fertility.

 

Possible Complications

 

These complications can occur:

  • Changes in the brain
  • Difficulty growing in the first year of life
  • Poorly aligned teeth
  • Seizures
  • Undescended testicles

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if your child has delayed growth or if you notice any symptoms of Aarskog syndrome. Seek genetic counseling if you have a family history of Aarskog syndrome. Contact a genetic specialist if your provider thinks you or your child may have Aarskog syndrome.

 

Prevention

 

Genetic testing may be available for people with a family history of the condition or a known mutation of the gene that causes it.

 

 

References

Jones KL, Jones MC, Del Campo M. Moderate short stature, facial and genital. In: Jones KL, Jones MC, Del Campo M, eds. Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap D.

 
  • The face - illustration

    The physical landmarks of the human face are very similar from one face to another.

    The face

    illustration

  • Pectus excavatum - illustration

    Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the "breast bone" (sternum) appears sunken and the chest concave. It is sometimes called "funnel chest". The majority of these cases are not associated with any other condition (isolated findings). However, some genetic conditions include pectus excavatum.

    Pectus excavatum

    illustration

    • The face - illustration

      The physical landmarks of the human face are very similar from one face to another.

      The face

      illustration

    • Pectus excavatum - illustration

      Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the "breast bone" (sternum) appears sunken and the chest concave. It is sometimes called "funnel chest". The majority of these cases are not associated with any other condition (isolated findings). However, some genetic conditions include pectus excavatum.

      Pectus excavatum

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Aarskog syndrome

           

             

            Review Date: 10/27/2015

            Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Fullerton Genetics Center, Asheville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

            The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

             
             
             

             

             

            A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



            Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.